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How much does a 3D print cost?

A 3D print cost estimate usually combines material, power, print time and a sensible allowance for failures or overheads.

Open 3D Print Time Cost Calculator Browse Makers

Quick answer

A 3D print cost estimate usually combines material, power, print time and a sensible allowance for failures or overheads.

How to do it

  1. Start with material weight or resin volume.
  2. Add print running cost from watts, time and electricity price.
  3. Consider supports, failed prints, wear and labour if quoting work.
  4. Use the calculator for a clear planning estimate.

Worked example

8 hours at 120 W and 28p/kWh uses 0.96 kWh, costing about £0.27 plus material.

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring warm-up and standby time.
  • Using peak watts instead of average draw.
  • Leaving out failed prints.

When this is not suitable

Do not treat any quick estimate as a final specification where safety, contracts, regulations or expensive purchases depend on it.

Related next tools

Next useful maker tools for material, time or cost.

MakersFilament Cost CalculatorEstimate filament cost from print weight, spool weight and spool price. Makers3D Print Scale CalculatorScale model dimensions by percentage or from original and target size. MakersResin Print Cost CalculatorEstimate resin print cost from resin volume, bottle size and bottle price. MakersFilament Length CalculatorEstimate filament length from weight, diameter and material density.

Keep the result together

Use the calculator first, then add the result to a Project Sheet if you need a clean printable summary.

Open Project Sheet Builder